State Republican Party Chairman J.R. Romano, left, on McLevy Green in downtown Bridgeport, Conn. on Thursday, October 22, 2015.

State Republican Party Chairman J.R. Romano, left, on McLevy Green in downtown Bridgeport, Conn. on Thursday, October 22, 2015.

Photo: Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media

GOP chairman reverses decision on reporter’s convention access

1 / 1

Back to Gallery

The chairman of the state Republican Party said in a Facebook video that he has reversed his decision to bar a Hearst Connecticut Media reporter from Monday evening’s GOP nominating convention.

J.R. Romano of Derby, the party chairman, was roundly criticized by Democrats Friday when he said that Neil Vigdor, the chief political reporter for Hearst Connecticut Media, would not be admitted to the convention. He said Vigdor was denied media credentials to attend the event in the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford because of what Romano characterized as “a series of negative stories about state Republicans that used anonymous sources.’’

The next day, members of his own Republican party criticized Romano’s decision.

“I sincerely believe we need more transparency in politics today, not less,” the state House Minority Leader, Themis Klarides, R-Derby, said in a statement. “Banning a member of the press because you may disagree with coverage is not a wise move.”

Shortly after noon Monday, Romano posted a video “Welcoming all media and delegates to tonight’s convention!” on the Connecticut Republican Party’s Facebook page.

“Our news organization has not been contacted by the state Republican Party since Neil Vigdor was informed his request for credentials was denied,” Roessner said. “Our plan remains unchanged: Neil will provide intelligent, independent coverage of the convention in Hartford tonight. We will do our job with the utmost professionalism — with or without the permission of Mr. Romano.”